The legal significance of clinical engineering certification

Recent court decisions and legislation have initiated a new period in product liability--one in which the traditional concepts of liability are being broadened to include, for example, X-ray treatment as a product that, if defectively administered, could result in liability to someone associated with its transmission, regardless of fault. In addition, there has been a successful attempt at holding an entire industry, as opposed to an individual person or company, responsible for an alleged defective product. Clinical engineers should consider whether licensure, registration, or certification would provide additional protection against litigation. The legal significance of such moves would vary from state to state. Professional certification, unlike registration or licensure, would not subject a clinical engineer to increased governmental control.